Cassie

SPECIALTIESBalayage. All kinds of color.Medium and long haircuts. Layers. Bangs.

What do you love about doing hair and why?I love being creative and working with my hands while getting to meet new people and learn about their lives.

What are your specialties? I love doing color because I get to customize it for each client. From soft, sun-kissed looks to bold, bright colors. Balayage is great for clients who want a lower maintenance look -- the grow-out is not as stark as foils can be.

Bangs! I like helping people overcome their fear of bangs. It’s all about finding the right for your hair texture, the shape of your face, and your lifestyle. Whether it’s strong and side-swept, blunt and heavy, or soft and subtle, there really is a bang style for everyone. It also helps to be realistic about how much time you want to spend on your hair each day. Someone who’s really busy doesn’t need a bang that requires a lot of styling or frequent trims.

What's your secret weapon for great hair?A heated styling tool of some sort like a curling iron or a flat iron, which lets you create texture and volume in your hair.

What's your approach with new clients?I start off with a thorough consultation so that I can understand their goals, find out how much time they want to spend on their hair, whether they use product or styling tools. It’s all about making sure we’re on the same page.

What's the best hair advice you've ever been given?Use a heat protectant. Heat can do serious damage to your hair -- I use a curling iron almost everyday and can speak from experience. A good heat protectant will help keep your hair healthier and looking great.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?Growing up in a small town, the idea of becoming a hairstylist was never presented as an option. But then I moved to Seattle in my early twenties and had a roommate who was in beauty school. That experience introduced me to the profession and I knew instantly it was the career I wanted to pursue.

Tell us about your education and experience I graduated from Gene Juarez in 2008. I started out at VAIN as an assistant, then an apprentice, and ultimately a stylist. I'm a senior stylist now with seven years and counting at VAIN.

Any notable hair experiences?A few years ago a handful of VAIN stylists volunteered to do haircuts at Tent City, a homeless camp in Seattle. We all ended up in a tent in the rain doing haircuts, laughing, and having a great time. Everyone was so nice and appreciated that we volunteered our time and skills. That experience helped me realize that I wanted to find ways to volunteer more often. Since then I've volunteered to do haircuts and styling for several charities and I’ve also organized a handful of fundraisers myself.

What are your interests outside of VAIN?I love animals -- I have two cats and I also take horseback riding lessons. I always have a craft project of sort going on. I like working in my garden and eating good food and wine. I also have a weakness for celebrity gossip and reality TV. You can count on me to know the latest about the media.